Nudge Factory’s Az is sleeping rough for World Homeless Day – Wednesday 10 October

Our Founding Partner, Az Chowdhury will be spending a night sleeping rough to raise funds in support of people who brave the streets every night. He will be doing it as a part of the DepaulSleepout event on Wednesday 10 October at The Kia Oval in Kennington as a part of World Homeless Day.

The DepaulSleepout is in support of the work of Depaul International, a network of charities supporting vulnerable and marginalised homeless people across a range of countries including the UK, Ireland, France, the USA, Slovakia, the Ukraine and Croatia.

Az is looking to raise funds for the charity but also to raise awareness of the problem of rough sleeping in Croydon. Figures from Croydon Council earlier this year have shown the number of people sleeping on the Borough’s streets has risen by 22% since 2014. This is in stark contrast to a London-wide average of 7%.

Depaul International’s efforts include giving some of the most vulnerable rough sleepers both emergency and long-term accommodation. This is alongside support in family mediation, training and support to break a cycle of homelessness. Last year alone, Depaul supported over 21,000 people with providing shelter, education, and medical care via 80 initiatives and services.

Commenting on spending a night without a roof, Az said: “It’s too easy to forget the daily fight rough sleepers face, that’s why I want to square up to the challenge with others and raise some cash for Depaul. This charity does great work in helping those who need it the most.

“Having a bed to sleep in and a roof over your head is too often taken for granted. So, if you’d like to support this event, please look up my justgiving page and give what you can. Even small donations can help change a homeless person’s life enormously. And even save lives.”

Depaul International Senior Partnerships Manager Jason Eades also commented: “Depaul Sleepout is a powerful event which changes perceptions about people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The event brings together professionals from across the dynamic and caring business community, like Az, who do so much to support our work in the UK and overseas.

“Giving up the comfort of your bed to help people who are marginalised and often rough sleeping is a humbling, valuable and thought provoking experience. I am so proud of all of the sleepers who have signed up to date to help us in our mission to end homelessness once and for all.”